Shiv Sena flays Jain monk after MBMC poll results

Sakal Times

Thursday, 24 August 2017

The rift between the Shiv Sena and BJP has widened after the election. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut slammed Maharaj for his comments and said he is a “poison on the society”. Raut also equated him with Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik

Mumbai: Two days after the BJP swept the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) elections, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday hit out at its ally, saying BJP won the MBMC polls only because of “money and muni (monk)”, in a clear reference to Jain monk Nayapadmasagari Maharaj who last week urged voters to vote in BJP’s favour.

The rift between the Shiv Sena and BJP has widened after the election. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut slammed Maharaj for his comments and said he is a “poison on the society”. Raut also equated him with Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik. The Sena has moved the State Election Commission claiming that Maharaj’s speech violated the Model Code of Conduct.

BJP won 61 seats in the 95-seat MBMC, and Shiv Sena only 22. The NCP, Raj Thackeray’s MNS and Hitendra Thakur’s Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi could not win a single seat. The Maharaj, flanked by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had attended an event where he gave a speech saying the BJP is the only party which will take care of the Jain community’s interests and upholds values like vegetarianism. The Sena claimed this was in violation of the Supreme Court ruling that barred parties from canvassing for votes on the basis of religion.

“We respect Jains, but this Muni speaks the language of violence. The language that he used does not suit Jainism. He is twisting the teachings of Mahaveer Jain. The Jain community should shun him,” Raut said.